Few articles of clothing can rival the elegance and sophistication of a well-tailored suit. And when it comes to suits, few styles are as iconic and timeless as the Neapolitan suit. With its distinctive cut, lightweight fabric, and impeccable craftsmanship, the Neapolitan suit has been a symbol of Italian style and craftsmanship for centuries.
What is a Neapolitan Suit?
A Neapolitan suit is an Italian style suit. The style originates in Naples, Italy. It is special thanks to softness with unstructured construction, high armholes, and natural shoulders. The neapolitan suit jacket has a unique design with three buttons or two buttons and a natural shoulder, which means that the shoulder is not padded or structured like a traditional suit. The pants of a Neapolitan suit are tapered with a high waistband and no break, which means that the pants do not touch the shoes.
History of the Neapolitan suit style
The origins of the Neapolitan were back to the late 18th century, when Naples was one of the most important cities in Italy. At that time, the city was a hub of textile production, and the local tailors were renowned for their skill and expertise.
The first Neapolitan suits were made from a lightweight, breathable fabric called “fresco” that was ideal for the hot and humid climate of southern Italy. The cut of the suit was also distinctive, with a natural shoulder and a soft, unstructured construction that allowed for ease of movement.
Over the years, the Neapolitan suit became increasingly popular among the upper classes, who appreciated its comfortable fit, elegant style, and attention to detail. By the early 20th century, the suit had become a staple of Italian fashion, and it remains an enduring symbol of Italian style to this day.
The Neapolitan suit was famous in many interesting stories. In the 1800s, Naples was ruled by the Bourbon monarchy. King Ferdinand II was a big fan of the Neapolitan suit and ordered one for himself from a local tailor.
In the hit movie “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep’s character, fashion editor Miranda Priestly, is known for her impeccable sense of style. In one scene, she tells her assistant, “The details of your incompetence do not interest me,” while adjusting the lapel of her Neapolitan suit. The scene helped to popularize the Neapolitan suit among fashion enthusiasts and cemented its reputation as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
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Characteristics of a Neapolitan Suit
Neapolitan suit is characterized by its unique features, which distinguish it from other styles of suits. The following are some of the notable characteristics of a Neapolitan suit:
Soft design: Unlike other suits with a stiff design, the Neapolitan suit gives softness and comfort. This is because the tailors in Naples believe that a suit should be comfortable and allow the wearer to move freely.
High Armholes: The armholes of a Neapolitan suit are higher than those of traditional suits. This allows for greater mobility and a more natural range of motion.
Natural Shoulder: The shoulders are not padded or structured like a traditional suit. And it is a unique design element that is found only in Neapolitan suits. The natural neopolitan shoulder is created by cutting the fabric on the bias, which allows the shoulder to conform to the shape of the wearer’s body.
Lightweight Fabrics: The Neapolitan suit is made from lightweight fabrics such as linen, cotton, and wool. This makes it ideal for warm weather and adds to its comfort and versatility.
Tapered Pants: The pants of a Neapolitan suit are tapered with a high waistband and no break. This gives the suit a clean, modern look and shows off the shoes.
Why people love this suit italian style
Comfort, style, and versatility are what we look for in a suit. Luckily, a neapolitan suit ticks all the boxes and offers several advantages
One of the most significant advantages of a Neapolitan suit is its comfort. The unstructured design, lightweight fabrics, and high armholes make it easy to move around in and wear for extended periods without feeling constricted.
Secondly, they are versatile for different occasions and climates. People can wear it to a wedding party or a business meeting. It also works well in both warm and cool climates due to the lightweight fabrics in construction.
People also love its classic and timeless style to build a long-lasting wardrobe. They will never be afraid of it going out of fashion because the Neapolitan suit has been around for centuries and it still stands the test of time.
Finally, the tailors who make napoli suites are certainly qualified to ensure that every creation is of the highest quality and meets the standards of the Neapolitan suit tailoring tradition.
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How to wear a Neapolitan suit to perfection
Wearing a Neapolitan suit is truly an art. It requires attention to detail and a good sense of fashion. Here are a few tips that can help you put them on to perfection
Accessorize with care: A Neapolitan suit is a statement piece on its own and needs minimal accessories. A pocket square in a complementary color and a pair of dress shoes are enough to complete the look.
Choose the right shirt and tie: Since a Neapolitan suit is often made from lightweight fabrics and has a relaxed fit, a dress shirt with a soft collar and no tie can be a good choice. But if you want to wear a tie, opt for a silk or linen one in a neutral or muted color to avoid overpowering the suit’s subtle elegance.
Pay attention to fit: A Neapolitan suit is meant to fit loosely and comfortably, but that doesn’t mean it should be baggy or ill-fitting. Make sure the neapolitan jacket’s shoulder seams sit just right, and the sleeves hit at the wrist bone. The pants should have a slight taper and a high waistband, with no break at the ankle.
Maintenance and care: To keep your Neapolitan suit looking its best, take care of it properly. Dry clean only when necessary, and use a hanger made of wood or padded fabric to prevent creases. Brush the suit regularly with a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris, and store it in a breathable garment bag when not in use.
Where to buy neapolitan suit and jacket?
If you come to Naples, Rubinacci, Sartoria Formosa, Orazio Luciano, or The Armoury are where you can find neapolitan suit bespoke. They are all well-known luxury brands that offer a wide range of customization options.
And in Hanoi, Tailor Bros is your first place to go. Tailor Bros has a curated selection of Neapolitan-style suits that won’t let you down.
Related FAQs
What is an italian style suit?
An Italian style suit is a high-quality suit known for its slim and tailored fit, peaked lapels, tapered pants, and intricate design details. It is typically made from high-quality fabrics such as wool, linen, or silk blends and is a classic and timeless investment piece.
What occasions are appropriate for wearing a Neapolitan suit?
Neapolitan suits are versatile and can be worn to a variety of occasions, from weddings and business meetings to casual outings and social events.
Can women wear Neapolitan suits or are they only for men?
While Neapolitan suits are traditionally worn by men, there are now brands that offer Neapolitan-inspired designs for women. The key characteristics of a Neapolitan suit can be adapted to create a feminine and flattering silhouette.
Conclusion
The Neapolitan suit style is more than just a piece of clothing. It is a symbol of Italian culture and craftsmanship, and its unique design and features have made it a favorite of fashion enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a fan of its soft, unstructured construction, natural shoulder, or tapered pants, there’s no denying that the Neapolitan suit is a true work of art. So why not add a bit of Neapolitan style to your wardrobe and experience the elegance and sophistication for yourself?
